debate scheduled to begin in less than six hours. it will be held at 6:00 our time, at the university of denver. workers are putting the finishing touches on the stage this morning as both men checked out the setting. both sides agree expectations could play a big role in who people consider to be the winner. >> governor romney is probably a little bit the under dog but i think he will be ready and he's going to be ready on the issues which is really what this election is about. >> i think that expectations are probably working a little bit against us and more for mitt romney right now but at the end of the day i think that the winner is going to be declared by the american people based on what these two candidates say. >> this is the first of three debates between the presidential nominees. the vice president shall nominees also have a debate that happens next tuesday. you can watch tonights presidential debate on ktvu channel 2. our coverage starts at 6:00 p.m. we'll be streaming the debate live on ktvu.com, mobile ktvu.com and the